USPTO declares Apple’s multitouch patent invalid

Apple has always been a little over possessive of “multitouch,” but today it appears the USPTO has put an end to that unhealthy affair. In a preliminary ruling, the multitouch patent was found invalid on all 20 points. This is unfortunate for Apple as that patent was the basis of nearly all of their multitouch patent lawsuits, including the lawsuit against Motorola that was tossed out of court earlier in June.

Although this could be overturned in higher courts, I’m hopeful that the USPTO will understand that these incredibly broad and vague patents are stifling to innovation and hopefully keep this one invalidated.